Flexible protective wind abatement system

Abstract

A device for protection of property against high winds constructed from a flexible screen of predetermined strength and stretch characteristics, and in the form of a curtain, utilized to protect the side of a structure including its windows and doors from the strong winds and debris impacts occurring during a hurricane. The device is anchored in a manner to space it out from the area being protected according to formula provided, and can safely dissipate substantial impacting energy. The preferred embodiment attaches to an overhanging eave and the ground below protecting in addition to the windows and doors, planters, outdoor furniture, decorative shutters, downspouts, and such as are enclosed behind the barrier. Several methods of storage and deployment of the device are described including rolling, sliding, and converting to awning. The barrier has the added feature of acting as a tie down in certain applications.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A flexible protective barrier device for protecting a frangible portion of a structure from the force of wind and objects carried thereby, said device comprising: 
       a flexible screen having a predetermined strength and being characterized by interstices, said interstices being constructed and arranged so that said screen substantially reduces the velocity of wind passing through said interstices;  
       a first anchoring means for attaching said screen to an overhanging boundary of said frangible portion, said overhanging boundary extending from said structure;  
       a second anchoring means for attaching said screen to an underlying boundary of said frangible portion, said second anchoring means cooperating with said first anchoring means to selectively maintain said screen in a use orientation;  
       whereby when said screen is in said use orientation, said first and second anchoring means maintain said screen in a spaced apart relationship with said frangible portion, thereby allowing for deceleration of objects impacting said screen;  
       said first anchoring means includes a rigid strip for extending laterally along a mounting surface of said overhanging boundary, said strip being positioned to maintain a first mounting edge of said screen against said mounting surface;  
       at least one fastening member constructed and arranged to secure said strip to said overhanging boundary;  
       said second anchoring means includes at least one fastening member adapted to link said second mounting edge of said screen with said underlying boundary when said screen is in said use orientation;  
       a support means for adjustably positioning said screen second mounting edge with respect to said underlying boundary, said support means includes at least one pulley for mounting on said overhanging boundary;  
       and at least one corresponding flexible member operatively associated with said pulley, said flexible member having a first end for attachment to said overhanging boundary and a free second end, said first and second ends being spaced apart by a middle portion, said middle portion adjustably supporting said pole,  
       whereby when said second end is pulled with respect to said pulley, said middle portion travels about said pulley, thereby producing vertical motion of said pole and said screen second mounting edge.  
     
     
       2. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  1 , wherein the velocity of said wind at a leeward side of said screen is approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of the velocity of said wind at a windward side of said screen; 
       whereby the velocity of wind passing through said screen is reduced by approximately 97%.  
     
     
       3. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  2 , wherein each of said interstices have a surface area small enough to stop a missile having a diameter of {fraction (3/16)} inch. 
     
     
       4. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  1 , wherein: 
       said first anchoring means includes a first track for being disposed along said overhanging boundary; and at least one connector member attached to a first mounting edge of said screen, said at least one connector being constructed and arranged to slidably engage said first track; and  
       said second anchoring means includes a second track for being disposed along said underlying boundary; and at least one connector member attached to a second mounting edge of said screen, said at least one connector being constructed and arranged to slidably engage said second track.  
     
     
       5. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  4 , wherein: 
       said flexible screen includes a first half being characterized by a first connector disposed along a first linking edge, said first connector having at least one linking aperture; and a second half being characterized by a second connector disposed along a second linking edge, said second connector having at least one linking member adapted to selectively engage said at least one linking aperture;  
       whereby when said at least one linking member engages said at least one linking aperture, said screen halves cooperatively form a substantially contiguous expanse of material.  
     
     
       6. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  1 , wherein: 
       said second anchoring means includes a rigid pole disposed along a second mounting edge of said screen; at least one fastening member adapted to link said pole with said underlying boundary when said screen is in said in use orientation.  
     
     
       7. The flexible protective barrier device of claim  6 , wherein said at least one fastening member is a soil engaging-engaging anchor. 
     
     
       8. A flexible protective barrier device for protecting a frangible portion of a structure from the force of wind and objects carried thereby, said device comprising: 
       a flexible screen having a predetermined strength;  
       a first anchoring means for attaching said screen to an overhanging boundary of said frangible portion, said overhanging boundary extending from said structure;  
       a second anchoring means for attaching said screen to an underlying boundary of said frangible portion, said second anchoring means cooperating with said first anchoring means to selectively maintain said screen in a use orientation;  
       whereby when said screen is in said use orientation, said first and second anchoring means maintain said screen in a spaced apart relationship with said frangible portion, thereby allowing for deceleration of objects impacting said screen;  
       said first anchoring means includes a rigid strip for extending laterally along a mounting surface of said overhanging boundary, said strip being positioned to maintain a first mounting edge of said screen against said mounting surface;  
       at least one fastening member constructed and arranged to secure said strip to said overhanging boundary;  
       said second anchoring means includes at least one fastening member adapted to link said second mounting edge of said screen with said underlying boundary when said screen is in said use orientation;  
       a support means for adjustably positioning said screen second mounting edge with respect to said underlying boundary, said support means includes at least one pulley for mounting on said overhanging boundary;  
       and at least one corresponding flexible member operatively associated with said pulley, said flexible member having a first end for attachment to said overhanging boundary and a free second end, said first and second ends being spaced apart by a middle portion, said middle portion adjustably supporting said pole,  
       whereby when said second end is pulled with respect to said pulley, said middle portion travels about said pulley, thereby producing vertical motion of said pole and said screen second mounting edge.